Originally Posted By: dedwards This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Jeff,
I don’t know how it works in your state, but this should have been on the disclosure paperwork somewhere. It would appear even to the most ignorant individual someone was covering up the damage. It should have been documented as existing by the listing agent (they sometimes aren’t told either). Had a similar experience only I found the hole in the particle board bottom. The hole was being covered up by a large plastic bowl, which just happen to have a trace of water in the bottom. The red flag popped up so I moved the fleet of cleaning supplies out of the way and removed the bowl. A hole about the size of a fist was worn through. The cause was a slight drip from a compression coupling on the drain. The owner was a widower and said he didn’t even know it was there. I believe him because there were other things he didn’t know about too. I do like your statement in the report. Sounds like it saved you a few bucks. By the way, you have the most “interesting” inspections. Just when I think I’ve seen it all, something new and unique shows up and proves me wrong. As a side bar…why is it that the folks with the most cleaning supplies usually have the dirtiest houses…I think I just answered my own question…
Originally Posted By: jpope This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
kmcmahon wrote:
Maybe I missed something, but why the termite reference? I didn't see any termites????All I see is a rotted hole from an apparent leak at one time.
Termite companies (at least in CA) deal with all WDO's including dry rot (water damage). It's a standard reference whenever I see damage to wood caused by water or insects as only "qualified" personnel can make the determination as to the cause.
There's no doubt in my mind that this was concealed on purpose. The question is, did the home owner "forget" about it or try to hide it.
This is the question I raised to my client that helped her decide who she will pursue for corrections.
-- Jeff Pope
JPI Home Inspection Service
"At JPI, we'll help you look better"
(661) 212-0738
Originally Posted By: kmcmahon This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Gotcha Jeff, thanks.
One note, regardless if it was hidden or forgotten, home seller has to disclose those items or be held responsible.(especially if it has their fingerprints all over it in a matter of speaking)
Originally Posted By: jpope This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I agree Kevin, and that was what I stressed to the client. My offer to repair the damage was more of a PR move and worked well to diffuse the immediate situation so that she could see the truth.
She had placed calls to four other parties (seller and agent, her agent and termite co.) and not heard back from any of them. When I arrived, they still had not returned her call and she was rightfully upset.
By the time I left, I was the hero  We'll see how this plays out.
-- Jeff Pope
JPI Home Inspection Service
"At JPI, we'll help you look better"
(661) 212-0738
Originally Posted By: Blaine Wiley This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I don’t know if this will help any of you because of the particular reporting methods you use, but I have a statement that comes up automatically in my report when the house is occupied that talks of limited visibility under sinks, in closets, etc.
You should have never been called for this in the first place, Jeff!
Originally Posted By: jpope This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I have the same standard disclaimer Blaine. It is repeated in the bathroom and kitchen sections of my report and states - “The view beneath the sink is restricted due to storage of occupants’ belongings.”
Originally Posted By: dedwards This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I also have similar statement in my report system but recently I also added an open letter to the home buyer that I include in the front of the report package that reemphasizes those sticky issues from the contract agreement plus what you just said. There is only so much the inspector can do or see, especially in an occupied home or mountains of boxes and furniture getting ready to be moved. Jeff, you did exactly the right thing by going over there and defusing the issue concerning you. Too many people panic and won’t return the calls or get billigerant back at the customer. Think they will recommend you after that…but in this case you made the lady at least calm down and approach the problem logically and not through emotions. Good job man.
